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Ethical Concerns Surround Gene-Edited Babies

By December 3, 2018December 4th, 2018No Comments

Earlier this week, He Jiankui, a scientist in China, announced he had genetically edited two human embryos, which were then implanted in a mother’s womb, and reportedly resulted in a pregnancy and the live birth of twins.  The news sparked an uproar among scientists and commentators worldwide by raising safety and ethical concerns. It’s the first time a scientist has publicly claimed to deliberately and permanently change the genes in a human embryo that developed into an infant. Such changes could be passed down to future generations. Experts worry about the possibility of unintended consequences.

Malia Fullerton, associate professor of bioethics and humanities at the University of Washington School of Medicine, provides context in the video below.